How much would you sacrifice to live past 100? How about 120?

Recent studies continue to back a popular diet aimed at stretching your lifespan by slashing your calories.

Aspiring singer Audrey Edley loves to perform. She's hoping to do it for a long time.

"I'd like to live to 100. I know some people don't, but I would," Edley said.

Edley's recipe for longetivity is simple -- eat healthy and eat less.

For the past six months, Edley has taken on the so-called calorie restriction diet.

Some studies have shown that mice and other lab animals live about 30 percent longer when put on what amounts to a near-starvation diet.

She averages about 1,500 calories a day -- about 500 calories less than the average American woman.

"It makes sense. I feel lighter. I feel better," Edley said.

Among many doctors, the feeling is that the diet should mean longer lives, because it slows down metabolism.

"Cells only work so long before they die, and if you use them less, you do better," said Dr. Ken Fujioka, of Scripps Clinic.

Still, a potential longer life comes at a cost. Hunger pains are common.

"I get hungry at night," Edley told 10News.

Experts say the diet can also lower libido, and diets that cut out protein could lead to heart problems.

Edley said these are concerns she vows to consider -- even as she continues her search for the fountain of youth, inside a salad bowl.

Experts say if you do try to diet, check in with your doctor one month later to see how it's working.

To learn more about the calorie restriction diet, visit www.calorierestriction.org.